15. Lightning’s Impact on Human Health Beyond Direct Strikes
Although direct lightning strikes have well-known risks, lightning can have less visible effects on human health. Comprehensive public health and safety efforts depend on an awareness of these effects.
Ground-level ozone creation is one major health impact. Nitrogen oxides produced when lightning strikes can mix with volatile organic molecules in the presence of sunshine to generate ozone. While ozone in the high atmosphere shields us from damaging UV radiation, at ground level it’s a pollutant that can aggravate respiratory problems, particularly in sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing diseases.
Additionally affecting mental health is lightning. For some people—especially those with storm phobias or PTSD—the loud thunder preceding lightning can cause anxiety and panic episodes. Thunderstorms’ unpredictable nature and force can aggravate anxiety and powerlessness.
Fascinatingly, some research point to lightning perhaps affecting the electrical systems of the human body. Though further study is needed to completely understand these impacts, the electromagnetic fields produced by lightning could possibly influence brain activity and heart rhythms.
Mycotoxins in crops are produced in part by lightning as well. Near crops, lightning strikes can produce conditions ideal for fungal development, hence producing more mycotoxin generation. Should one take these poisons, both human and animal health is at danger.
Finally, water quality may suffer from the nitrates generated by lightning and carried down by rain. Although these nitrates are naturally occurring fertilisers, too high levels in drinking water can be detrimental, especially for young children.